About the SIP
About Us
The Silviculture Innovation Program (SIP) goal is to improve knowledge regarding innovative silviculture systems that can be used to inform practice and policy through applied and operational research, as well as extension.
The Silviculture Innovation Program is administered by the Bulkley Valley Research Centre (BVRC). The BVRC is a not-for-profit organization in Smithers, BC, located on Gidimt’en Territory of the Witsuwit’en First Nation. The BVRC conducts research throughout the province and works to extend knowledge and build collaborative relationships. The BVRC is responsible for designing and implementing the SIP.
The SIP is managed by an Operations Team, consisting of two provincial staff and two staff from the BVRC. A ten-person Strategic Advisory Group, with representatives from diverse disciplines across BC, provides strategic advice and guidance to the program.
Background
British Columbia’s Old Growth Strategic Review identified innovative silvicultural practices as tools to help address forest resiliency, ecosystem health and climate change adaptation. The province wants to explore ways to use innovative silvicultural practices as tools to manage a diverse range of values and interests on the landscape.
In March 2023, the province invested $10 million in establishing and advancing a silvicultural innovation program in BC. This investment directly responds to Recommendation #12 of the Old Growth Strategic Review to create a Silviculture Innovation Program (SIP) aimed at developing harvesting alternatives to clearcutting that maintain old forest values.
BC’s Old Growth Strategic Review, “A New Future for Old Forests”, can be found here.